Best Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Solutions

The goal of an enterprise VPN is to make sure business data is protected from data breaches or other cyberattacks. An enterprise VPN is also used to provide security for remote workers when logging on to an office network. Access controls and permissions further secure networks by enabling enterprises to authenticate and authorize users and evaluating required credentials. Because data breaches are happening more and more often, the amount of compromised data is rapidly increasing. When using an enterprise VPN, companies can be more proactive about cybersecurity, and attacks can be prevented.

The three most common VPN solutions that are managed by an enterprise are:

1. IPsec (internet protocol security): IPsec is recognized as one of the most traditional VPNs. It applies configurations to virtual rather than physical interfaces and supports multiple sites. An IPsec VPN solution involves passenger, carrier, and transport protocols. Additionally, IPsecs do not explicitly specify encryption of connections.
   
2. SSL (secure sockets layer): An SSL VPN is the more current method for implementing VPNs. It does not require any software installation and it uses public key infrastructure and digital certificates. SSLs only require a web browser on a host and also default to encryption of network traffic. It is also user-friendly, and most web browsers already come with SSL support.
   
3. DMVPN (dynamic multipoint virtual private network): With a DMVPN, an enterprise can rapidly scale access securely across the organization. It is a solution that makes it possible to transfer data between sites without having to deal with the verification process of traffic. DMVPNs are easy to deploy and are a cost-effective and scalable alternative to IPsec and SSL VPNs.

While both enterprise VPNs and self-hosted VPNs provide end-to-end encryption across unsecured Wifi networks, the two have stark differences, one of the main ones being anonymity. A key advantage of hosting your own VPN is that it allows you to view VPN data, see how it is handled, and review its quality, reliability, and anonymity while an enterprise VPN does not. An enterprise VPN is generally more reliable and can sometimes be cheaper. However, a self-hosted VPN can operate faster than an enterprise VPN since only one user is using the service. By using an enterprise VPN, organizations don’t need to worry about patches or the security of software like one would have to do with a self-hosted VPN. Unlike an enterprise VPN, a self-hosted VPN guarantees that only your hosting platform is aware of your IP address.

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, works by combining multiple network and security technologies into one solution. It is an identity-centric secure access platform, it utilizes zero-trust capabilities, and ensures secured access among applications, services, endpoints, and distributed users. Unlike VPNs, SASE gives users the ability to access applications without needing to connect to the network.

The traffic created by concurrent users causes VPN capacity to become strained. For large enterprise organizations, this can cause a disrupted and poor VPN experience as multiple users try to route internet traffic to the same data center. With SASE, however, a VPN capacity is already pre-built, and therefore allows companies to easily expand their VPN platforms. The SASE model enables thousands of remote employees to do their jobs successfully without compromising security. SASE also has another advantage over an enterprise VPN because traffic travels through a private network and not via the public internet.

Implementing Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions provides several benefits, including enhanced security for your data transmissions, scalability that matches your organization's growth, and cost efficiency compared to traditional WANs. You also gain the ability to securely connect remote offices and mobile workers to the corporate network, resulting in improved productivity and collaboration. Such solutions also offer encryption that safeguards data in transit, ensuring your information remains confidential.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions enhance cybersecurity by encrypting the data transmitted between your network and its users. This encryption creates a secure tunnel that prevents malicious actors from intercepting sensitive information. VPNs also provide authentication features ensuring that only authorized users have access to the corporate network. By masking IP addresses, they also add an additional layer of privacy, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to target specific devices.

When selecting an Enterprise Infrastructure VPN provider, you should consider factors such as the level of encryption and security protocols used, the scalability of the solution, and the provider's reputation and reliability. Assess their customer support and the presence of a robust Service Level Agreement. Consider the integration capabilities with your existing systems and the total cost of ownership, including hidden fees or maintenance costs.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions can effectively support remote workforces by providing secure access to corporate resources from any location. These solutions ensure that employees can access data, applications, and services as if they were in the office, without compromising security. The flexibility offered by VPNs helps maintain productivity and allows your workforce to remain connected and efficient regardless of location.

Potential drawbacks of using Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions include the initial setup complexity and the need for ongoing management and monitoring to ensure optimal performance. They can also introduce latency due to encryption processes, potentially affecting the speed of data transmission. Moreover, VPNs require regular updates to address emerging security vulnerabilities, which can be resource-intensive.